Broadcom Intros New Wi-Fi Chip for Smartphones

Broadcom today announced the BCM4358, a high-end Wi-Fi radio for flagship smartphones and tablets. The BCM4358 employs an 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO configuration for improved throughput and speeds, which Broadcom says can reach 650Mbps. Broadcom says the combo chip makes significant improvements with respect to Bluetooth performance, too. In addition to the wireless speed bumps, the BCM4358 is much more accurate at determining location. Broadcom says it is accurate down to one meter. The BCM4358 has integrated power and low-noise amplifiers, as well as beamforming and Low Density Parity Check Codes. It supports the Android, Windows, and Chrome operating systems. The BM4358 is already in mass production and Broadcom says it will appear in high-end devices before the end of the year.